Compare layouts and review terrain changes before adoption

This update gives design teams more ways to compare an option, inspect its effects, and deliberately adopt a change. It also makes the workspace lighter to open and improves continuity when you return to saved work.

Compare layouts before changing the project

Create and compare supported rooftop layout alternatives, then adopt the option you want to carry forward. Review the proposed result before applying it, with undo available after adoption. These layout choices remain separate from ground-mount grading studies.

Save and revisit grading options

For supported fixed-tilt ground-mount sites, compare grading planes against the recorded terrain and review earthwork quantities and table clearances. Save named grading options, reopen them for another comparison, or rename and remove them as the design develops.

Saved options retain the plane definition. Reopen an option and compare it against the current site, so earlier results do not silently stand in for a changed survey or layout. Terrain coverage and source qualifications remain visible beside the findings.

Inspect proposed table heights and terrain in 3D

Review bounded table-height changes against both existing terrain and the proposed grading plane. The proposal identifies tables that can be adjusted, tables that need no change, and cases the calculation cannot support. Confirm the eligible changes before adoption; undo and redo remain available.

Switch between existing terrain, the proposed grading surface, and both together. Height previews show eligible table movements before they are applied. These comparison views help you inspect a proposal and remain separate from the recorded design until you adopt a change.

Compare direct sunlight for the same conditions

Compare recorded terrain and table geometry with a proposed grading plane and eligible height changes using the same entered sun direction, direct-normal irradiance, and sampling resolution. Review per-table sampled shade and incident sunlight, then export the comparison with its inputs and limitations. Longer calculations can be cancelled.

This is an instantaneous direct-sunlight screen. It does not calculate electrical power or annual energy yield. The comparison combines grading and eligible table movement, and does not isolate the effect of height alone. Terrain beyond the sampled study area, other site objects, the horizon, diffuse and reflected light, and electrical shade response are outside this screen. Site axes must be aligned before geographic sun directions are used.

Share the basis of the proposal

Export printable grading, clearance, and table-height reports with the reviewed values, source details, assumptions, and unsupported cases. Reports remain readable on narrow screens and when printed. Editing the site or calculation inputs clears old findings so a new export uses a current calculation.

Return to work with fewer interruptions

Ask PVspark now opens on demand, reducing the code needed to start the workspace. It keeps the conversation and unsent draft when minimized. Loading, retry, keyboard focus, and narrow-screen controls have been improved.

Saved-project reloads and adoption workflows have also received checks across layout alternatives, grading options, height changes, undo, and reports. Accepted demo requests now remain successful when the browser blocks optional confirmation-reference storage.

Scope and availability

These tools support comparison and qualified review. Survey coverage, coordinate alignment, site tolerances, manufacturer requirements, and professional judgment still determine whether a proposal is suitable for a project. Screening results and reports are not civil, structural, or construction approval.

DSM-assisted creation and general customer 3D model import are not included in this update. The new direct-sunlight comparison does not change the scope or validation requirements of the separate energy-estimation workflow.

Explore solar design capabilities, ground-mount terrain studies, and energy analysis, or request a demo to see how the workflow fits your team.